The zebra turtle is one of the world's most elusive creatures. Shy and well-camouflaged, they are rarely seen. These timid creatures are found only in the farthest regions of uninhabited, wild Africa, and, equipped with dizzying stripes and dinosaur-like spikes, it's hard to imagine they're endangered. This species is a valuable part of the ecosystem in Africa, and in order to save it, you should know as much about this amazing creature as possible.
A rare zebra turtle relaxing in its native habitat.
Appearance and Lifespan
The zebra turtle has a mesmerizing pattern of stripes covering its shell. These stripes are used to identify different members of its pod, or group of turtles. No two patterns are alike. Zebra turtles also have prehistoric-looking spikes on their shells, and huge bearlike jaws. While this creature may look frightening or mean, it is surprisingly one of the least harmful animals in Africa. Compared to lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) this species is practically a fluffy teddy bear! Turtles can reach the age of 100, although the average lifespan is around 70 years.
Diet
Zebra turtles may be harmless, but they are clever, calculating hunters. They use a muscular tip on the edge of their tongues like a worm to lure in prey such as fish or frogs, though they are happy to have a nice mouthful of grass as well. Zebra turtles are omnivores but can survive as herbivores for as long as necessary. However, they will not survive long as carnivores without a healthy balance of grass. They have also been known to eat small insects and rodents.
Size and Weight
The zebra turtle is roughly 550 lbs, making it the largest turtle on earth. One turtle was even found weighing in at an astounding 876.5 lbs! These creatures far outweigh the second largest turtle species, which may reach around 220 lbs. Zebra turtles are around 36 inches, or 3 feet, long. At the shoulder, their height may reach over 6 feet, making them the largest turtles in height and weight as well.
Behaviors and Reproduction
Quite surprisingly, zebra turtles are both swift runners and swimmers. They can stay submerged for 40-50 minutes, as well. Zebra turtles scavenge for food in groups/pods at night and use their tongues to lure in their prey. They also graze in groups/pods during the day. When the heat of the sun is blazing overhead, zebra turtles spend most most of their time swimming in an oasis near their homes. Zebra turtles mate only once in early to late spring. A clutch of eggs may contain 8-25 eggs. The eggs will be let by the mother as soon as they are laid. Then the offspring, or hatchlings, will be left to fend for themselves.
Zebra turtles often bask in the sun although they are warm-blooded.
Defense Mechanisms and Predators
The turtles will gather into a circle to protect the young, old, and sick members of the pod. The more experienced members will protect the less experienced members. Predators who may threaten the zebra turtles include lions, hyenas, and humans. The zebra turtle is in great danger of poaching because of its attractive zebra-pattern, leathery skin. In fact, zebra turtle skin purses are all the rage in obscure European countries. Poaching is a serious issue, and zebra turtles joined the critically endangered list in 1997.
How To Help
The Zebra Turtle Conservation Organization, or ZTCO, began in 2001, after the importance of these gentle giants was finally realized. The ZTC
One of the very popular zebra turtle skin purses.
O raises awareness for the turtles' plight and asks everyone to do the same. Although many people still act oblivious to the very existence of zebra turtles, they are in fact, very real and in need of immediate action. ZTCO sponsors many activities throughout the year. Their slogan is, "If you don't want to be a handbag, neither do they."
*This map of Africa(below) shows some of the regions where the last zebra turtles may be found.
ZEBRA TURTLE
By SarahThe zebra turtle is one of the world's most elusive creatures. Shy and well-camouflaged, they are rarely seen. These timid creatures are found only in the farthest regions of uninhabited, wild Africa, and, equipped with dizzying stripes and dinosaur-like spikes, it's hard to imagine they're endangered. This species is a valuable part of the ecosystem in Africa, and in order to save it, you should know as much about this amazing creature as possible.
Appearance and Lifespan
The zebra turtle has a mesmerizing pattern of stripes covering its shell. These stripes are used to identify different members of its pod, or group of turtles. No two patterns are alike. Zebra turtles also have prehistoric-looking spikes on their shells, and huge bearlike jaws. While this creature may look frightening or mean, it is surprisingly one of the least harmful animals in Africa. Compared to lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) this species is practically a fluffy teddy bear! Turtles can reach the age of 100, although the average lifespan is around 70 years.Diet
Zebra turtles may be harmless, but they are clever, calculating hunters. They use a muscular tip on the edge of their tongues like a worm to lure in prey such as fish or frogs, though they are happy to have a nice mouthful of grass as well. Zebra turtles are omnivores but can survive as herbivores for as long as necessary. However, they will not survive long as carnivores without a healthy balance of grass. They have also been known to eat small insects and rodents.Size and Weight
The zebra turtle is roughly 550 lbs, making it the largest turtle on earth. One turtle was even found weighing in at an astounding 876.5 lbs! These creatures far outweigh the second largest turtle species, which may reach around 220 lbs. Zebra turtles are around 36 inches, or 3 feet, long. At the shoulder, their height may reach over 6 feet, making them the largest turtles in height and weight as well.Behaviors and Reproduction
Quite surprisingly, zebra turtles are both swift runners and swimmers. They can stay submerged for 40-50 minutes, as well. Zebra turtles scavenge for food in groups/pods at night and use their tongues to lure in their prey. They also graze in groups/pods during the day. When the heat of the sun is blazing overhead, zebra turtles spend most most of their time swimming in an oasis near their homes. Zebra turtles mate only once in early to late spring. A clutch of eggs may contain 8-25 eggs. The eggs will be let by the mother as soon as they are laid. Then the offspring, or hatchlings, will be left to fend for themselves.Defense Mechanisms and Predators
The turtles will gather into a circle to protect the young, old, and sick members of the pod. The more experienced members will protect the less experienced members. Predators who may threaten the zebra turtles include lions, hyenas, and humans. The zebra turtle is in great danger of poaching because of its attractive zebra-pattern, leathery skin. In fact, zebra turtle skin purses are all the rage in obscure European countries. Poaching is a serious issue, and zebra turtles joined the critically endangered list in 1997.How To Help
The Zebra Turtle Conservation Organization, or ZTCO, began in 2001, after the importance of these gentle giants was finally realized. The ZTC*This map of Africa(below) shows some of the regions where the last zebra turtles may be found.
Citations:
Snapping Turtle. National Geographic. 2013.Zebra. National Geographic. 2013.
Zebra Turtle Skins. Vitamins in Africa. 2008.
Zebra. Fact Monster. 2013.
Alligator Snapping Turtle. Nashville Zoo. 1234.